P.J. Washington
Biography of P.J. Washington
Paul Jamaine Washington Jr. (born August 23, 1998) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Personal Information and Early Life:
P.J. Washington was born on August 23, 1998, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. He grew up in Dallas, Texas. His parents, Sherry and Paul Washington Sr., both played Division I basketball at Middle Tennessee State, indicating a strong athletic background in his family. He measures 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) and weighs 104 kg (230 lb).
High School Career:
Washington attended several schools during his formative years, including Prime Prep in Dallas, Texas, Lone Star in Frisco, Texas, and Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada. He was a highly praised prospect, earning McDonald’s All-American recognition in 2017. His 2017 recruiting ranking was 14.
College Career (Kentucky Wildcats):
P.J. Washington played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats from 2017 to 2019. In his freshman year (2017-18) at Kentucky, he played 37 games, starting 30, and averaged 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game. He shot 51.9% from the field, 23.8% from three-point range, and 60.6% from the free-throw line. During his sophomore season (2018-19), he improved significantly, playing 35 games, starting 33, and averaged 15.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. His shooting percentages also increased, with 52.2% from the field, an impressive 42.3% from three-point range, and 66.3% from the free-throw line. His college career statistics over two seasons at Kentucky include 72 games (63 starts), with averages of 12.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 block per game. He shot 52.1% from the field, 38.4% from three-point range, and 63.2% from the free-throw line. Washington’s strong performance in his sophomore year earned him several honors, including Third-team All-American by the AP, NABC, USBWA, and SN in 2019, and First-team All-SEC in 2019.
NBA Draft and Professional Career:
P.J. Washington declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore season at Kentucky. He was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft with the 12th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. He played for the Charlotte Hornets from 2019 until February 2024. During his time with the Hornets, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020. In February 2024, Washington was traded to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline. He quickly became an integral part of the team, helping the Mavericks reach the 2024 NBA Finals. He currently plays as a power forward and small forward for the Dallas Mavericks, wearing jersey number 25.
